More on the Bell trade

Posted by | July 28, 2006 at 11:43 PM

As you've probably heard or read about by now, the Phillies traded third baseman David Bell to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. They received 22-year-old minor league right-hander Wilfrido Laureano in the deal.

With Bell gone, Abraham Nunez becomes the Phillies' starting third baseman. Nunez has scuffled at the plate all season, hitting .157 with five extra-base hits and five RBIs in 115 at-bats. He hit .285 for St. Louis last season while receiving 421 at-bats, many because of injuries to third baseman Scott Rolen.

Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said the team wanted to give Nunez, who signed a two-year, $3.35-million contract during the offseason, a chance to play every day. They also saved money in the trade, as the Brewers will pay the remainder of the $4.7 million Bell was due to make this season.

Nunez, however, won't necessarily be the Phillies' third baseman next year. Gillick said he would continue exploring ways to improve the position.

Nunez hopes the consistent playing time will help his hitting, but he said he wasn't sure.

"We'll see how that goes," Nunez said. "I can't really tell you that I'm going to hit for sure, because this is a tough game. But if you get some at-bats in a row, I think you'll be able to produce."

Bell said he was surprised by the trade, but he wanted to get to Milwaukee in time for Saturday night's game with the Reds. He was often a target of fan criticism, but his teammates expressed admiration for his hard play every night.

"It's disappointing because we didn't win," Bell said. "That's why I came here, to be part of a winning team. Other than that, I enjoyed my time here. I met a lot of good people who will be friends for life, and that means a lot to me."

The Phillies assigned Laureano to low Class-A Lakewood. He went 3-2 with one save and a 3.96 ERA for low Class-A Charleston.